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Just because anyone can string together words in a sentence does not mean anyone can be a writer. Especially when it comes to technical writing wherein a strong command of the English language, a good grasp of technique and a litre of technical knowledge are all essential ingredients in its composition. This kind of writing is important in industries that manufacture or sell highly specialised products wherein its use, application, storage and troubleshooting, for instance, should be communicated well to its consumers. Although the fact that these products are already catering to a specific market or a base of consumers, it is important that the product itself is not restricted from consumers who may eventually have a need for it. In this kind of writing, the outputs can take the form of a product manual, a white paper, a brochure or a how-to guide. Mastering the art of technical writing is practical, and it is fairly easy to learn unlike literary writing where creativity, style and originality are required. Before getting started, it is important to know to whom is the technical content addressed to. Knowing who your audience is will establish the tone of your writing efforts from start to finish. For instance, if you are writing a beginner's manual for a computer tablet, you need to start your content with an instructional guide such as how to open and turn off the computer tablet. Start with the basics first before introducing concepts that may potentially overwhelm the newbie reader. Use vocabulary that is easy to understand at all times. Avoid using jargons unless a glossary of terms is included on the first page. Even if it is just talking about a single product, technical writing can be 10 pages or even a hundred if a lot needs to be said and covered about the product. A simple point and shoot camera can be exhausted in 50 pages worth of information to ensure a high level of consumer experience. Sort out content and organise them well under clear headers and subsections. It will make it easy for your readers to scan and locate the information relevant to them at any given time. The danger in this kind of writing is that you may be speaking a language that is very different from your readers. Although there is that assumption that they know more or less the product that they recently purchased, it is important to use a language or a technique that will make it easy for the first time consumers to understand. If it helps ease the complexity and the unfamiliarity of the topic that you are writing, use analogies to relate the topic better. The goal of any technical writing result is for it to be relevant, useful and applicable. Although there are assumptions in terms of the technical competence of the people using the manual, the brochure or the guide, it is essential to make the output easy to comprehend even for those who may not have the technical background yet. Research and good product knowledge, among many things, should set the tone of any relevant and applicable technical writing output.
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